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Ready For Digital Source...Computer?

I have speakers and amplification all figured out, now I need a source. No vinyl and not concerned with CD's at this point.
Only steaming online. No Roon either, been there, done that. 

Honestly, (because I need a new computer anyway) I would really like to use a computer to play Spotify (hopefully CD-quality soon), Tidal, Qobuz, etc. but most say a computer is too "Noisy" to use for this purpose. Although, I have heard there are ways around this.

Rather than having to purchase a dedicated music server, does anyone know how to set up a computer as a high-quality music server? I can't really seem to find anything online.

Thanks






high-amp

Showing 2 responses by travelinjack

travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
240 posts
 

An older windows laptop and a good dac are a great choice for folks with lots of music on hard drives.  Use Foobar2000 and the related Foobar2000 remote control for smart phones and it is super convenient.  Set up Windows sharing across your home network and you can also use Plex if you wish though I don't like it as much since it doesn't allow selecting WASABI or ASIO to by pass Windows audion settings.

travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
240 posts
 

On this forum you are always going to get lots of opinions regardless of how sound your position might be.

You can make a test for little or no money.

If you have an old laptop or PC (both free if you already own them) and a DAC (maybe you already own one) then all you need is a good media player like Foobar2000 or even VLC (both free) and some lossless audio files to send the analog audio to your existing system and decide for yourself if you like the sound.

Windows 10 Media Sharing settings, Foobar2000 and it’s associated Foobar2000 smart phone remote control app are not the most elegant solution but it is entirely workable and low cost/no cost. The results could be excellent sound with little investment. If you are not happy with the sound then you can choose how and where to improve.

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